Drowning Death Now Ruled Murder with 3 Men Accused of Wrapping Victim in Fishing Line and Throwing Him into River

Three men in Missouri are facing second-degree murder charges linked to the death of 20-year-old Robbie Crites, which occurred in 2018 and was initially ruled a drowning. The accused—Zachary Dalton Watson, Austin Drake Womack, and Ronald D. Brawley III—were announced on March 5 in a statement from the Shannon County Sheriff’s Office. Each is currently being held on a cash bond of $250,000, although it is not clear if they have entered pleas or secured legal representation.

The case surrounding Crites’ death was reopened earlier this year due to new evidence suggesting that his death may not have been an accident. Investigators conducted an extensive review of the original case and uncovered significant inconsistencies and unanswered questions regarding the circumstances of Crites’ passing. The findings led them to believe there was more to the story than what had been previously established.

According to the criminal complaints lodged against the three men, it is alleged that on or around June 16, 2018, they conspired to inflict serious physical injury upon Crites. Following a physical altercation, the men are accused of wrapping Crites in fishing line and dumping him into the Jacks Fork River, which ultimately resulted in his drowning.

Witness statements cited in probable cause affidavits point to Womack having admitted to killing Crites on multiple occasions. One account recalls a confrontation where Womack allegedly confessed, saying, “Yeah, I killed that motherf***er. He owed me money for dope.” This claim was reportedly made roughly three weeks after Crites’ death, highlighting the context behind the violence.

Further accounts revealed that Womack claimed the killing was motivated by a supposed sexual assault against his sister, describing the event to a group at a bonfire. He allegedly recounted beating Crites and using a fishing hook before ultimately disposing of him in the river. However, witnesses noted that Womack insisted Brawley and Watson had not participated in the act.

Additional testimonies detailed Brawley’s and Watson’s actions on the day in question. Witnesses stated the pair had been seen dropping Crites off at the river early in the morning and returned hours later to find him missing. In the afternoon, they reportedly sought fishing supplies from nearby individuals. Shortly thereafter, both Brawley and Watson vanished, raising further suspicions regarding their involvement in the incident.

Upon retrieving Crites’ body, authorities observed that he had fishing line entangled around his ankles and back, as well as a ‘grab hook’ lodged into his rib cage, according to the affidavits. This physical evidence has contributed to building a case against the accused.

Another witness recounted a drunken confession made by Brawley just two days subsequent to the event. The account detailed a drug deal gone wrong, which escalated into a violent confrontation. It was alleged that Crites had owed money from a methamphetamine transaction, and tensions flared as a result of this debt.

In the wake of these recent developments, the Sheriff’s Office has affirmed that the investigation remains active. They stressed their dedication to uncovering the truth behind Crites’ death, irrespective of the time elapsed since the incident. “Our investigators refused to let this case remain closed when the facts did not add up,” the statement emphasised, reiterating their commitment to seeking justice for Crites.

As the case progresses, further information may emerge as investigators continue their work. The local community remains watchful, awaiting developments in what has been a long-standing enigma since Crites’ tragic death.